Students in this course will learn how biological fluids, including blood, semen, and saliva are identified both at the scene and in the forensic laboratory.  The student will learn the importance of avoiding contamination of the evidence during the collection and packaging phases of biological evidence. Instruction will be given on the proper collection and packaging of biological evidence items and DNA reference samples. The importance of appropriate evidence transport and storage procedures will be impressed upon the student.  In addition, students in this course will be given examples of the types of materials commonly found at various crime scenes that can be considered good sources of DNA evidence.

This course is designed for the officer who needs to know the basics of forensic serology and DNA analysis.  The student will learn what forensic serology is, why it is important, and what information can be obtained from the various testing methods available at the laboratory.  Testing and analysis of body fluids such as: blood, semen, saliva, urine, feces, and vomit are discussed as well as a brief discussion of the forensic examination of hairs.  An overview of the steps involved in forensic DNA analysis will be presented including a brief refresher on what DNA is and where it can be found.  The limitations of DNA testing will also be discussed.

Students in this course will gain a deeper understanding of what the CODIS system is and the purpose of the national DNA database.  At the end of this training, the student will be able to describe the various levels of the CODIS system, including the local, state and national level.  In addition, the student will be able to explain the various indexes that make up the database. Students will gain a clearer understanding of what DNA profiles are eligible for upload into the National Database, and what profiles are not.  They will be introduced to various scenarios and will learn to recognize that the specifics of the case can dictate whether a particular DNA profile can be uploaded or not.  The student will learn how a DNA profile is searched in the CODIS system and what happens if a “hit” occurs at the local, state, or national level. 

Students in this course will be introduced to two controversial uses of the National DNA Database - Familial DNA Searches and so-called "Arizona-Style" Searches.  In addition, a brief refresher on the National DNA Database will be given.  At the end of this training, the student will be able to describe what familial DNA searches are, how they are performed, and who currently performs them.  The student will also be able to describe how familial DNA searches can be useful as investigative leads.  Students in this class will be instructed on what an “Arizona-style” search is and they will learn what the implications of Arizona-style searches are in the forensic DNA field.

 CLICK HERE for a printable flyer with information on this program! 

This training seminar has been designed specifically for law enforcement officers.  A multitude of topics including the National DNA Database (CODIS), Understanding the DNA Report, and Forensic DNA Statistics 101 will be discussed.  In addition, in-depth information regarding such hot-button issues as Familial DNA Searching,  Arizona-Style Searches, and Transfer (or Touch) DNA will be provided  along with a discussion of some of the newer techniques in DNA analysis like Y-STR testing, Mini STR testing, Mitochondrial DNA analysis, and Animal DNA analysis.

This course is designed for both beginner and advanced students, with the beginner course taught as either a stand-alone course (including topics such as Biological Evidence Collection, and Overview of Forensic  Serology and DNA, and the National DNA Database) or together with the more advanced topics such that officers with a need for only basic information could attend the first 4.5 hours of the course and more advanced students would remain to take the rest of the total 14 hour/2 day course.

Upon completion of the course, the officer in the beginner course will:

• Learn how biological fluids, including blood, semen, and saliva are identified both at the scene and in the forensic laboratory

• Be able to discuss the importance of avoiding contamination of the evidence during the collection and packaging phases of biological evidence

• Learn the proper collection and packaging of biological evidence items and reference DNA samples

• Be able to list examples of the types of materials commonly found at various crime scenes that can be considered good DNA evidence

• Learn how evidence items submitted to the forensic laboratory are screened for the presence of biological fluids

• Be able to list and discuss the various steps involved in the DNA analysis process

• Be able to list body fluids and tissues that are considered good sources of DNA

• Identify some of the limitations of DNA testing

• Understand what the CODIS system is and what the purpose of the national DNA database is.

• Be able to describe the various levels of the CODIS system and the various indexes that make up the database

• Gain a clearer understanding of what DNA profiles are eligible for upload into the National Database, and what profiles are not. 

• Learn how a DNA profile is searched in the CODIS system and what happens if a “hit” occurs at the local, state, or national level.

In addition, advanced students in this course will:

• Learn what Familial DNA Searching is and what agencies are using it

• Learn how Familial DNA Searching can be used to help provide leads in unsolved cases

• Learn what “touch” or transfer DNA is and where it can be found

• Be introduced to DNA techniques such as Y-STR analysis, MiniSTR analysis, and mitochondrial DNA analysis

• Learn about animal DNA typing and it’s uses in modern case investigation

• Be introduced to a typical forensic serology and DNA report and be able to discuss the various components of the report

• Be provided with a brief introduction to statistics and how they are applied to DNA cases

• Learn how multiple sections of a crime laboratory can examine the same piece of evidence and find different useful information